Chapter 16

“I’m just saying that if I don’t get into Michigan this year, I’ll take a gap year and try again,” Anissa blabbered. School closed fifteen minutes ago, and Elsie was walking home with her friend. Today, Principal Jenna announced that seniors would be staying behind for the mandatory after-school lessons from next week in preparation for their SATs. Thankfully, the mood of the class had shifted from despair at Lettie’s disappearance to their future ambitions. She wasn’t really looking forward to college now that Lettie wasn’t here. They both agreed to attend Berkeley and sent their applications simultaneously. But now, any reminder of her was unbearably painful, and Elsie considered changing schools.

Stephanie’s note was in her wallet in her bag, and she was going straight to the Inspector with it. She just needed to walk Anissa home first and hoped she would be able to make it before the rain started.

“...but that would be too close to Erin, so Michigan is perfect for me